American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences, Palo Alto, CA.

A rapid feedback evaluation of the federal career education incentive program was conducted to compile readily available information regarding the implementation of career education under the Career Education Incentive Act (PL 95-207). Attention was directed toward the activities and accomplishments of the four major actors in the career education program that were named in the legislation: the Office (now Division) of Career Education (OCE), the National Advisory Council for Career Education, state education agencies, and intermediate and local education agencies. Information relating to the performance of each of these groups was obtained through analyses of program records and visits to selected states and locales. Although the data gathered in this manner was readily obtainable, and in no way represents a total picture, it can be inferred that PL 95-207 funds are serving the purposes envisioned by Congress when it passed the Incentive Act. All but three states have become active participants in the federal career education program. OCE is providing advice and assistance to states as well as using discretionary funds to address needs common to several, if not all, of the states (such as information on exemplary programs, etc.). States are using the Incentive Act funds as prescribed by the Act. Thus, in spite of the relatively small amount of funds appropriated for career education, substantial progress appears to have been made at the national, state, and local levels in developing commitment to career education and in instilling career education into the educational system at the K-12 levels. (KC)